There are so many gimmicks and distractions at the grocery store. So, you really need to be prepared before you walk into it. Before you go shopping, make a list. Read my free meal planning tips to help make a great list. Then, when you are ready to go shopping, you’ll have to pay attention, stick to your grocery list, and make frugal choices along the way.

In today’s post, I’m going to identify a list of frugal actions that I think can help you save some money while you shop, but of course, you have to take each of those with a grain of salt and see if that’s applicable to you and your scenario or not.

20 Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips

Frugal Food Shopping

1. Always plan your meals before you go shopping. Meal planning is so important!
2. Stick to your list, but do check out the clearance rack for super deals.
3. Review sale flyers and plan to buy and freeze these items.
4. Eliminate any soda or juices, or greatly reduce them from your diet.
5. Don’t buy bagged lettuce. While it is convenient, you are paying more for it.
6. Make your own items at home instead of buying pre-packaged goods, such as granola and cookies. It’s really easy and they taste so much better too!
7. Buy dried beans. They are significantly cheaper.
8. Buy in-season fruits and vegetables. When not in season, you will pay a premium price.
9. Keep your freezer well-stocked. Buy frozen vegetables and keep extras on hand. This helps so that you don’t overbuy too many fresh vegetables and have wasted food.
10. Always keep the staples on hand for easy, inexpensive meals such as rice, potatoes, noodles, and beans.
11. Don’t buy bagged popcorn. Pop your own kernels in a popper. My kids love the popper!
12. Shop the store using mainly the outside aisles. This will help you save by avoiding prepackaged foods while focusing on fresh, healthier ones.
13. Avoid the end caps. Stores will strategically place items at the end of aisles, and they aren’t always good buys! 
14. Avoid buying on impulse. One helpful way to do this is to use grocery pick-up or delivery. I add items using the app during the week and then use Walmart+ to get free delivery to my home. If you want to sign up for Walmart+ and decide to become a paid member, we’ll both get $20 off a future order by using this link. I also like using Amazon’s Subscribe and Save. This allows me to compare prices in advance before going to the store so that I can find the best price! Read my post How to Save Money Using Amazon Subscribe & Save and learn about my favorite products.
15. Look up and down the racks as you shop to find the best deal. Stores like to strategically place items in the middle that have a higher markup. 
16. Check out the unit prices and compare items. Don’t be afraid to buy generics. Review the ingredient list to compare.
17. Don’t buy food that is packaged into individual portions. These individually packed items have a premium price for convenience. Instead buy in bulk and keep small snack baggies on hand to make it easy to pack up and go. Buy yogurt in quarts. Buy large gallons of goldfish. You’ve got this! 
18. Bulk buy popular food items in your house. Peanut butter and oatmeal are great examples.
19. A larger quantity does not always equal less expensive. Sometimes you’ll find items in a lower quantity marked on sale and, as a result, will actually be less expensive per unit than the larger quality item. Don’t be afraid to break out your phone calculator!
20. Some stores will only discount it if you buy the stated quantity. Make sure you know how the sale works for the stores you shop in. For example, a 5 for $10 sale can work differently at various stores. Find out if you have to actually buy 5 to get the discounted price. Some require it and some do not.

What are your frugal tips for grocery shopping? Leave a comment below.

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